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A missing man who had a history of depression and anxiety was found in the sea off Exmouth beach where he had always loved to visit.

David Clarke had fond memories of the seaside town from when he and his family lived in Exeter, but had since moved to Bristol.

An inquest at Exeter’s County Hall last week heard the 78-year-old had gone missing from his home on April 5, 2017, following a period of stress.

David Clarke

His wife Sandra immediately phone police as it was out of character. The retired projects manager’s body was later found in the sea by a commercial fisherman near Orcombe Point two days later at 12.30pm.

Mr Clarke’s death was formally confirmed at Exmouth RNLI Station at 1.04pm, on April 7, but it is not known how or when he entered the water. He still had his shoes on and his identity was confirmed by a wallet found in his trouser pocket.

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The only details of his final movements were provided by a cash withdrawal he made on the day he went missing which was at around 12.10 in Roman Gate, Exeter.

The Longboat Cafe in Budleigh

He was also believed to have visited the Longboat Café in Budleigh. Carol Burkett, who ran the café, told in a statement how she could not be certain on what day he visited but believed it was the day after he had gone missing.

She recalled he came in around 11.30am, ordered a crab sandwich and drink, and sat looking out to sea until he left half an hour later.

She said: “He was the only person in café. He looked a bit sad and lonely. I asked if he was okay and he did not respond at first. When he did he said, ‘Yes, I’m okay’, and said he was from Dorset and used to come here a lot and was going on to Exmouth. I didn’t see him leave.”

She recalled how around Christmas 2016 her mum’s health took turn for the worse and she was concerned they were struggling to cope as a couple, but that he had not said he was suicidal although he had been in the past.

The last time she spoke to him she said he had talked about bridge which he enjoyed playing and had seemed positive at that time.

When he went missing she was on holiday in Spain and said she knew he would head to Exmouth.

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He was last seen at the beginning of January 2017, and denied feeling suicidal.

Recording a narrative conclusion, coroner John Tomalin said: “There are no witnesses to how Mr Clarke ended up in water, messages or indication he was intending to take his own life.

“I don’t think the evidence supports a conclusion of suicide.”

He concluded: “How his body came to be in body in the sea off Exmouth is unclear.”

Paying tribute to Mr Clarke after the inquest his family said: “He was a really kind, thoughtful, honourable man with integrity.”

The Samaritans can be reached round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediately, it’s best to call them on the phone. You can reach them by calling 116 123, by emailing jo@samaritans.org or by visiting www.samaritans.org